China Coast Guard personnel seen with batons during Ayungin Shoal confrontation with PH Navy

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) released videos of the latest aggression by the China Coast Guard (CCG), wherein a Philippine Navy personnel was struck on the head with a baton. In one of the videos from the BRP Sierra Madre, CCG personnel aboard a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) were hesitant to leave despite being illegally within the Philippines' territorial claims in the Ayungin Shoal in the contested West Philippine Sea. The CCG personnel can also be seen holding batons. "Instead of complying, China Coast Guard personnel responded with violence, striking Philippine Navy personnel with wooden batons and damaging the Philippine Navy rubber boats. Despite the aggression, our troops exercised maximum restraint, professionalism, and discipline while carrying out their mission," the AFP said. In another video, a rubber boat with two people on board closely approached the CCG RHIB and one of the Chinese sailors hit someone from the other boat. The AFP said the incident escalated only after the CCG ignored repeated actions to leave, noting that the Philippine side did not initiate any provocations. "Philippine Navy personnel acted with professionalism and in accordance with the Rules of Engagement. The deployment of two rubber boats was a measured, non-confrontational effort to direct the China Coast Guard vessel away. Our personnel did not initiate any confrontation," it said. "Our troops exercised restraint and defended themselves within established rules. Professionalism should not be mistaken for weakness," the AFP added. PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela earlier said that the entry of the CCG RHIBs into the Philippines exclusive economic zone was "a provocation on their part." Aside from the Navy personnel who suffered a head injury, another personnel suffered a hand injury. The two were already treated at the BRP Melchora Aquino despite obstruction by the CCG vessels during their medical evacuation. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier condemned the alleged assault by the CCG. The Palace also said the government would continue to uphold the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea despite China's aggressive acts in the contested waters. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA News